El Campello

This generally more modern coastal town, situated off the N332 between Alicante (10 kilometres) and Benidorm (30 kilometres) offers visitors a mixture of relaxation style holidays for those that need tounwind, or a more sports related break. To relax you could not find a more beautiful part of Spain to do it in than El Campello as it offers the longest coastline (23 kilometres) in Alicante province, with fantastic sandy beaches like Muchavista (over 7 kilometres), Carrer de la mar (almost 2 kilometres) and gentle coves to the north of town, all the above having been awarded the ISO 14001 certification (blue flag award).

For the sports enthusiasts, "those with webbed feet", will find water sports such as Windsurfing, Rowing, Sailing, Watersking, Diving and Snorkelling for much of the year, thanks due to the facilities located at the marina and yacht club, and of course the beautiful climate (average temperature annually of 19c) and warm Mediterranean sea. For the sports related "landlubbers", there are two indoor sports centres where visitors can participate in rhythmic gymnastics, tai chi, aerobics and everything you need to get/keep fit.

Outdoors your offered basketball, football, valencian pelota, and of course golf, with two courses close to town, Bonalba golf and Alicante golf to help you unwind and improve your swing.For those who want to explore this stunning region of Costa Blanca try hill walking or cycle riding along different routes available, especially of note are the Cabeco d'or mountain, La lloma de Reixes cove, Sierra Ballestera and La Caseta de Xixi.

For the history lovers, explore the archaeological site at Illeta dels Banyets to see a fine example of an early Iberian settlement, dating back to Roman times where you will see small thermal baths and outstanding fish farms for which the enclave is named after. Also explore the lookout tower La Illeta which dates back to 1554 and was used to warn of Barbary pirates, the finca Villa Marco, an important country house built in the mid 19th century with beautiful gardens inspired by those at Versailles, with flowers and plants from around the world and unique groups of sculptural works by Vincente and Daniel Banuls, plus the parish church of St. Teresa, built in 1849 and located in the old town next to the cultural centre.

TRAVEL
From the Tram & Train station in the centre of town, you can take a Tram into Alicante (this also stops at Muchavista beach) or take the Train to Denia passing through Villajoyosa, Benidorm, Terra Mitica, Alfas del Pi, Altea, Calpe, Benissa and Teulada, this is a ride through both diverse and breathtaking scenery. As an alternative, catch one of several buses which will also take you into Alicante and through outlaying towns such as Muchamiel (Mutxamel), to experience different vistas and meet the friendly locals. For the "seafarers", those of you who want to arrive by boat, El Campello has a fully equipped marina.

HIRE A CAR
To really explore this exciting region of Spain, why not hire a car and head for the mountains and inland villages to see the turron factories (Jijona), pottery makers (Agost) and shoe makers (Elche), and save money on your gifts, or just take in the stunning vistas.

HOTELS
There are a number of reasonably priced Hostels and Hotels in El Campello, notably Hostel San Juan**, Hotel Jorge 1***, Hotel Playa Campello*** and Hotel Mar Azul**.

MAIN FIESTAS
Festividad de san Jose-19th March, Semana Santa (Religious)-March T.B.A, Del Mig Any-May, Festividad De San Juan-23rd-24th June, De La Virgen Del Carmen-16th July, this is basically a week longfiesta with shows along the beach front with various artistes and styles of music and dance with a firework display every night, great free entertainment. Moors and Christians-11th-15th October, fantasticre-enactment of the battle on the beach between the invading Moors and the defending Christians on the night of 11th October, a stupendous procession through the centre of town , lasting approx 3 hours with musicians and absolute stunning costumes on display, culminating with a breathtaking firework display, not to be missed.

WHAT TO SEE
The beautiful sandy beaches, the fishing port and market (you can buy fish straight off the boats at auction), the archaeological dig site and lookout tower at Illeta, Villa Marco and the church of St. Teresa.

WHAT TO DO
Whatever you want, its all here, from shopping, golf, relaxing or being sporty.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
There are an abundance of different cuisines available for your palate. Italian lovers try Marcos, La Cova or Villa Borgaise. Seafood lovers try Grana Restaurant (awarded the Gold Illeta award), or just experience as many " tastes " as you can fit in.

A favourite wateringhole is Taberna Belga El Paseo (situated on the beach front), which has on offer 30 varities of Belgium and Spanish Beers along with numerous spirit choices and comprehensive lunchtime snack menu, (ask for Yolanda or Tim, your genial hosts) and eat/drink Al Fresco in the sun.

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